Rezzakul Islam alias Raju.Photo: BSS

BOGURA, Oct 30, 2025 (BSS) - Members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) have arrested fugitive Awami League leader Rezzakul Islam alias Raju, organizing secretary of Shibganj Upazila Awami League and former vice-chairman of the upazila parishad, from Savar in Dhaka.

Acting on a tip-off, a joint team comprising members of RAB-12 Bogura Camp, RAB-4 and Savar units conducted a drive in the Nabinagar area of Savar on Wednesday evening and arrested Raju, a resident of Chak Bholakhan village under Shibganj upazila.

Confirming the arrest, Squadron Leader Firoz Ahmed, commander of the Crime Prevention Specialized Company (CPSC) of RAB-12 Bogura Camp, said Raju had been absconding since August 5, 2024.

A total of 14 cases, including two for murder, filed in connection with the July-August violence, are under investigation against him, he added.

After his arrest, Raju was brought to Bogura and will be handed over to Shibganj Police Station for further legal action.

Earlier, police arrested Raju from a wedding ceremony in Chak Bholakhan village on the night of October 4. However, on the way to the police station, his accomplices intercepted the vehicle and snatched him away along with the handcuffs.

Following the incident, Sub-Inspector Abdullah Al Mamun, who led the operation, was withdrawn on charges of negligence in duty. The district police also formed a three-member investigation committee headed by Additional Superintendent of Police (Administration and Finance) Asaduzzaman.

A case was filed in connection with the snatching incident, naming 20 people and accusing 200-250 others as unidentified. Later, police conducted drives in the area and arrested 21 persons, including 11 women.